Dispensing nozzle arrangement providing electrical lockout

ABSTRACT

Nozzle arrangement which positively prevents the dispensing of unspecified fuels (e.g., leaded fuels) into &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;specification&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; automobiles which require &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;specification fuel&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; (e.g., nonleaded fuel) exclusively, while permitting the dispensing of unspecified fuels into other, &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;non-specification&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; automobiles. Separate pumping means are utilized for unspecified fuel and for specification fuel. The special fuel filler inlets of specification automobiles are modified (made special) to prevent use therein of a dispensing nozzle spout of standard configuration, a non-standard spout being employed for such automobiles. This non-standard spout incorporates an electrical lockout arrangement which functions to automatically render the unspecified-fuel pumping means inoperative whenever the nonstandard spout is being utilized for dispensing into a special fuel filler inlet. Under other dispensing conditions, the unspecified-fuel pumping means is operative.

United States Patent 1191 Hansel DISPENSING NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT PROVIDINGELECTRICAL LOCKOUT William B. Hansel, Media, Pa.

Sun Oil Company of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

Aug. 14, 1972 280,612

[75] inventor:

[73] Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

US. Cl 222/26, 222/63, 222/75, 222/566, 141/351 Int. Cl B67d 5/04 Fieldof Search 141/351, 352, 104, .100, 141/98, 192, 193, 198, 99; 222/26,27, 74,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1934 Lent.. 222/52 UX 8/1973Hansel 9/1973 Hansel 222/566 X Primary ExaminerRobert B. ReevesAssistant Examiner-Joseph J. Rolla Attorney, Agent, or Firm-George L.Church; Donald R. Johnson; Frank A. Rechif a" a a" 1 June 11, 1974 [5 7]ABSTRACT Nozzle arrangement which positively prevents the dispensing ofunspecified fuels (e.g., leaded fuels) into specificationautomobileswhich require specification fuel (e.g., non-leaded fuel)exclusively, while permitting the dispensing of unspecified fuels intoother, non-specification automobiles. Separate pumping means areutilized for unspecified fuel and for specification fuel. The specialfuel filler inlets of specification automobiles are modified (madespecial) to prevent use therein of a dispensing nozzle spout of standardconfiguration, a non-standard spout being employed for such automobiles.This non-standard spout incorporates an electrical lockout arrangementtive.

VAPQR which functions to automatically render the unspecified-fuelpumping means inoperative whenever the non-standard spout is beingutilized for dispensing into a special fuel filler inlet. Under otherdispensing conditions, the unspecified-fuel pumping means is opera- 10Claims, 5 Drawing Figures SOLID- STATE SWITCHlNG UNlT BLEND SELECT INC,Lw l W "SPECIFICATION FuEL" METER "UNSPECIFIED FUEL" METER PATENTED H 13,815,784 SHEET 10F 3 43/- BLEND SELECTING CONTROLLING AND COUNTING UNIT26 35 "SPECIFICATION uws ecmco FUEL" METER FUEL" METER (\J l MPATENIEUIIIIII I I974 v SHEET 30F 3 TO NOZZLE w 3LQ R 52 20 Q l (f \5SOLID STATE SWITCHING /g UNIT TO S. F. T ou.E. METER-26 METER-35 FROMREM T EMEMOLE SUBMERSIBLE) 34 (SusMEnSIsLE) S,F." PUMP 6 u.F. PUMP 4 MLUL; LINKAGE 72 H I H T r f I r k I 70 r I I 7 TO ADDNL. J DISPENSERS Ek ro BEMQTE SE PUMP 69 MOTOR (SUBMERSIBLE) r TO ADDNL.

DISPENSERS 76 1" R MOT MOTOR 7a (SUBMERSIBLE) DISPENSHNG NOZZLEPROVEDENG ELECKCAL LQCKOUT At the present time, there is being usedrather exten-' sively a multi-grade fuel dispensing apparatus which canbe adjusted to dispense, selectively, solely a hi gasoline (referring toa relatively high-octane liquid fuel component), solely a lofgasoline(referring to a relatively low-octane liquid fuel component), ora blend of these hi and lo gasoline components or constituents. Anapparatus of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,880,908 and alsoin US. Pat. No. 2,977,970, both of which are assigned to the assignee ofthe present application.

As disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,977,970, two separate conduits areutilized to convey the fuels from the housing of the dispensingapparatus to a dispensing nozzle, where mixing of the two componentstakes place (assuming that a blend of the two has been called for). Thedispensing nozzle used in such an apparatus may therefore be termed ablending-type nozzle.

It has been announced that some automobiles (herein termed specificationautomobiles) will be provided with exhaust emission control equipment(such as a catalytic converter or catalytic muffler on the automobileexhaust) which requires a specification fuel exclusively, the termspecification fuel' denoting one which is lead-free or substantiallylead-free, that is, an unleaded or non-leaded fuel.

In the dispensing of gasoline, it is essential to provide some schemefor differentiating between specification fuel and all other unspecifiedfuels (which latter may contain lead anti-knock compounds or-octaneimprovers, and which are commonly used in so-called nonspecificationautomobiles), in order to prevent the dispensing of unspecified fuelsinto specification automobiles. One such scheme which has met withapproval is the use of special fuel filler inlets on specificationautomobiles, the term special here referring to fuel filler inlets whichwill prevent the entry thereinto of dispensing nozzle spouts of standardconfiguration, now universally used on dispensing nozzles; such standardconfiguration nozzle spouts have a nominal CD. of l 6 inch, or more.Then, for example,'the special fuel filler inlets would be equipped withinserts which have the effect of reducing the diameter of such inlets soas to prevent the entry of standard-diameter nozzle spouts thereinto.Thus, standard dispensing nozzles cannot be used to dispense fuel intothe fuel tanks of the specification automobiles. Under this scheme,nozzle spouts used to dispense specification fuel into specificationautomobiles would have a nominal CD. 'of 13/16 inch, or less.

To satisfy the demand by owners of specification automobiles for thespecification fuel, in the multigrade It will be realized that it wouldbe'possible to use, in conjunction with the multigrade fuel dispensingapparatus mentioned, only a single nonstandard (smaller diameter) nozzlespout for dispensing both specification fuel and unspecified fuels,since such a spout would fit into both the special fuel filler inlets(of the specification automobiles) and the conventional fuel fillerinlets of the non-specification automobiles. However, if this is done,some fool-proof, automatic arrangement must be provided to makeabsolutely certain that unspecified fuels cannot be dispensed into thefuel tanks of specification automobiles. In other words, some means mustbe provided (preferably on the spout itself) which positively preventsthe dispensing of unspecified fuels into fuel filler inlets designed toaccept only specification fuel.

An object of this invention is to provide ablendingtype dispensingnozzle which, under certain dispensing conditions, acts automatically topositively prevent the dispensing of one of the two blending components.

Another object is to provide a novel blending-type dispensing nozzlewhich positively prevents the dis pensing'ofunspecified fuels into fuelfiller inlets designed to accept only specification fuel.

A further object is to provide, in a blending-type nozzle having anon-standard spout adapted to be inserted into special fuel fillerinlets, means which automatically and positively prevents the dispensingof one blending component whenever such spout is inserted into a specialfuel filler inlet.

An additional object is to provide a removable adapter means for ablending-type dispensing nozzle having a non-standard spout which willenable such nozzle to be used for dispensing unspecified fuel intoconventional fuel filler inlets, as well as (when the adapteris notused) for dispensing specification fuel into special fuel filler inlets.

Still another object is to provide, in a blending-type dispensing nozzlehaving a non-standard spout for insertion into special fuel fillerinlets, an electrical lockout arrangement for locking out one blendingcomponent from the nozzle. I v r The objects of this invention areaccomplished, briefly, in the following manner: In a first embodiment, anormally closed proximity switch is mounted in a non-standard dispensingnozzle spout (which is capable of being inserted into a special fuelfiller inlet), this switch being connected electrically into theenergization circuit for the unspecified fuel (i.e., the leaded blendingcomponent) pumping means in such a way that opening of this switchrenders this pumping means inoperative. When this spout is thrust into aspecial fuel filler inlet containing an insert of ferromagneticmaterial, the proximity switch is magnetically operated to openposition. In another embodiment, a normally open reed switch is mountedin the non-standard dispensing nozzle spout and is electricallyconnected in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When dispensingof unspecified fuel into non-specification automobiles (havingconventional fuel filler inlets) is called for, a removable adaptercarrying a switch-operating means in the form of a permanent magnet isplaced over the non-standard spout, to convert it to a standardconfiguration and to magnetically operate the reed switch to closedposition.

A detailed description of the invention follows, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a combined block and schematic diagram illustrating theliquid, mechanical, and electrical connections of variouselementsinvolved in a dispensing apparatus employing one embodiment of anozzle arrangement according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section showing a nozzle spout utilizing another formof electrical control means, with an adapter in position over the spout;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the adapter sleeve used in the FIG. 2embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view illustrating another form of spoutadapter; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connectionsinvolved in a dispensing apparatus uti lizing a nozzle arrangementaccording to this invention, but employing another form of pumpingmeans.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the upper end of a dispensing nozzle accordingto a first embodiment of the invention includes anelongated chamberedbody or housing denoted generally by numeral 1, in the form of I ametallic casting. The dispensing nozzle is of the socalled blendingtype, and is adapted to be supplied with two liquid fuel components bymeans of tworespective hoses 2 and 3 (to be later referred to in moredetail) which are coupled to the extreme upper end of the nozzle body 1,as shown. The chambered body 1 may contain structure (not shown)appropriate to a blendingtype nozzle, including at least one main poppetvalve operated by means of a pivoted lever, automatic shutoff mechanismfor this valve, etc., all as known to those skilled in the art; typicalstructure which can be used is shown in my abandoned application, Ser.No. 63,827, filed Aug. 14, 1970.

To the lower end of housing 1 is secured (as by brazing or welding) theupper end of a tubular metallic spout 4 which is of non-standard size(0. D.), as set forth in a recommended practice for the dispensing ofspecification fuel (ordinarily, an unleaded or nonleaded fuel). Thespout 4 has a nominal O. D. of 13/6 inch or less, as contrasted tospouts of standard configuration (used throughout the industry), whichhave a nominal O. D. of 15/16 inch or more. A more or less conventionalfriction-providing and electrical-contactmaking spring 5 is mountedabout the spout 4. The spout 4 is curved to facilitate insertion intothe fuel filler inlet (fillpipe) 6 of an automobiles fuel tank. Whenspout 4 is in dispensing position, spring 5 provides electrical contactbetween the metallic fuel filler inlet 6 and the spout 4.

The non-standard spout 4 is capable of being inserted into the specialfuel filler inlet 6 provided on a. specification automobile, whichautomobile requires a specification fuel exclusively (because of theemission control equipment carried by such automobile). Thus, inaddition to its smaller (i.e., smaller than standard) 0. D., the spout 4should be straight for at least 3 inches from its outlet 7, and thelower end of the spring 5 should be at least 4 inches away from theoutlet.

As illustrated, the special fuel filler inlet 6 is provided with meanswhereby it is capable of accepting only a non-standard nozzle spout asabove described, that is, with means sized to stop insertion of allnozzle spouts larger in diameter than about 0.850 inch (which includesall popular or standard current and past model nozzle spouts). Thismeans may comprise a stamped skirt or insert 8 of ferromagneticmaterial, providing a nozzle port of about 0.850 inch inside diameter,securely mounted in the upper end of a conventional outer fill tube(which is 2 inches in diameter).

The special fuel filler inlet 6 includes a conventional vapor baffle 9,which causes expelled vapor to follow the general path indicated by thedirected line 10, through a vapor vent 1 1 provided in insert 8. Ifdesired, the vapor so expelled or displaced from the fuel tank, whenfuel is dispensed thereinto, may be collected by a vapor seal device(flexible bellows, or boot, not shown) of the type described in my U.S.Pat. No. 3,566,928.

The spout 4 has, near the outlet end 7 thereof, the usual orifice(schematically indicated at 12) for an automatic shut-off mechanism, ofconventional type.

A proximity switch 13 (magnetically-actuated) having a pair of contacts14 and 15 is mounted in the wall of spout 4. Contact 15 is electricallyconnected at 16 to the metallic spout 4, which provides a ground for thesystem. The spout 4, as is customary in devices of this nature, ismetallically connected through the nozzle body 1 to the outer ends ofconventional metallic braids or metallic springs (not shown) provided ineach of the hoses 2 and 3. These springs mechanically reinforce orstrengthen the hoses, as well as providing the required electricalground connections. The inner ends of these springs are electricallyconnected as at 17 to the grounded housing 18, which houses the fuelpumps and other components of the liquid fuel dispensing apparatus, tobe described.

Contact 14 of the proximity switch 13 is electrically connected to'thelower end of an insulated electrical conductor 19, which extends throughone of the hoses (illustrated as hose 3) to the interior of housing 18;inside housing 18, the upper end of conductor 19 is connected to oneswitch terminal 20 of a solid-state switching unit 21, to be laterdescribed.

The proximity switch 13 has incorporated therein, as an essential partthereof, a pair of permanent magnets (not shown) which are'arranged tonormally (that is, at all times except when spout 4 is positioned withinthe special fuel filler inlet 6, in close juxtaposition to theferromagnetic insert 8) exert magnetic forces on contacts 14 and 15 suchas to keep them in engagement (that is, closed). That is to say, theproximity switch 13 is normally closed. However, when spout 4 isinserted into the special inelt 6, the ferromagnetic insert 8 alters thenormal magnetic flux pattern in such a way as to move the contacts 14and 15 away from each other (thereby to open the switch). Since spout 4is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being inserted into the special inlet 6, theswitch 13 is illustrated in its open position. When spout 4is insertedinto a standard or conventional fillpipe (without the insert 8), noferromagnetic material is brought into close juxtaposition withproximity switch 13; hence, under these dispensing conditions noalteration of the nonnal magnetic flux pattern occurs, and the switchcontacts 14 and 15 remain closed.

The apparatus housing indicated at 18 (which is grounded as illustrated)may be of generally conventional type, locked against unauthorizedaccess, and provided with windows and various operating devicesaccessible from the outside of the housing, as will hereafter appear.Generally speaking, the two liquid fuel (gasoline) blending componentspreviously referred to comprise (l) a specification fuel of relativelyoctane, which would be a non-leaded or unleaded fuel, and (2) anunspecified fuel of relatively hi octane, which would be a leaded'orlead-containing fuel. It should be mentioned at this juncture that,since all blends of the two components contain, of course, some of theleaded component, they would also be so-called unspecified fuels.Included in the apparatus in housing 18 is a specification fuel or 10fuel pumping means, comprising a suction pump 22 driven by an electricmotor 23, the pump 22'being provided with an inlet or suction connection24 from the specification fuel supply tank. The specification fuel to bedispensed flows through connection 25 and a conventional specificationfuel meter 26 and thence through the pipe connection 27 incorporating acheck valve 28. A bypass 29 is provided containing a relief valve 30 tobypass the pump 22 in the event a delivery valve is closed.

A hi" or unspecified fuel pumping means includes a suction pump 31 whichdraws its supply of unspecified fuel (hi or lead-containing gasoline)from a tank through suction pipe connection 32. This pump 31 may be ofthe same type as pump 22 and may be driven by a separate electric motor33. The unspecified fuel pump 31 delivers such fuel through line 34 tothe unspecified fuel meter 35 which may be of the type serving to meterthe specification fuel. Delivery from the meter 35 takes place throughpiping 36 which includes the check valve 37. Associated with the pump 31is a bypass 38 incorporating a relief valve 39.

The specification and unspecified fuels delivered, respectively, throughlines 27 and 36 are respectively controlled by the proportioning valves40 and 41, from which they are delivered through the hoses2 and 3, theinner end of hose 2 being connected (inside housing 18) to the outletside of valve 40 and the inner end of hose 3 being connected (alsoinside housing 18) to the outlet side of valve 41. (The outer ends ofhoses 2 and 3 are connected to the nozzle body 1 in a suitable manner,for example as shown by my aforementioned abandoned application.) Asdisclosed in said abandoned application, the hose passages aremaintained separate, communicating with each other only closely adjacentthe nozzle poppet valve. Thus, "admixture of the two fuel componentscannot take place to any substantial degree so as to markedly change thecomposition dispensed.

The solid connecting lines provided with arrows in F IG. 1 indicatemechanical connections, while the solid connecting lines without arrowsindicate electrical connections. The specification fuel meter 26provides one input 42 to a blend selecting, controlling, and countingunit 43, the other input to which is provided at 44 from unspecifiedfuel meter 35. The unit 43 preferably comprises various gear boxes,differentials, counters, a variator, etc., interconnected andfunctioning in the manner disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No.2,880,908. As disclosed in said patent, the unit 43 includes a finalblend controlling differential the mechanical output of which at 45controls concurrently the relative positions of the specified or 10 andunspecified or hi proportioning valves 40 and 41.

The electric motors 23 and 33 for the pumps 22 and 31, respectively, areadapted to be energized from the ll5-volt alternating current source 46.The motor 23 for the specification fuel pump 22 is connected across thesource 46 in series with the manually-operated switch 47 so thatwhenever switch 47 is closed, motor 23 is energized and pump 22 isturned on. Switch 47 is preferably actually located on the outside ofhousing 18, as shown, for example, in US. Pat. No. 3,006,504.

The second switch terminal 48 of the solid-state switching unit 21 isconnected to the ground point, as

illustrated. Thus, under so-called normal conditions (to wit, at alltimes except when sprout 4 is inserted into the special inlet 6),contacts 14 and 15 of the proximity switch 13 are closed, completing acircuit between the terminals 20 and 48 (since switch contact 15 isgrounded). However, when spout 4 is inserted into the special inlet 6,the proximity switch contacts 14 and 15 are opened, thereby opening thecircuit between switch terminals 20 and 48.

The unit 21 is an intrinsically safe, solid-state, singlepole,single-throw switching unit, and may be, for example, a Safe-Pakswitching unit, as manufactured by the Gems Division, De Laval Turbine,Farmington, Connecticut. Such a unit, located in a non-hazardous areasuch as within apparatus housing 18, can provide switch control of aload (connected to its load terminals 49, 50, and 51 as will bedescribed) from a remote sensing device (such as proximity switch 13) ina hazardous location (to wit, closely adjacent the gasolinedispensingend of nozzle spout 4). Since the unit 21 has been designed to beintrinsically safe, no explosionproof housing is necessary for switch13, even though this switch is located in a hazardous area or hazardouslocation.

The motor 33 for the unspecified fuel pump 31 is controlled or switchedby the switching unit 21. One load terminal 49 of unit 21 is connectedto one side of the power source 46 through the switch 47, the secondload terminal 50 is connected to the other side of source 36 and to oneenergization terminal of motor 33, while the third load terminal 51 isconnected to the other energization terminal of motor 33. The switchingunit 21 opens, thereby disconnecting motor 33 from the energizationsource or power source 46, in response to the opening of the proximityswitch contacts 14 and 15; it will be recalled that the contacts 13 and14 are opened whenever the spout 4 is thrust into a special inlet 6,containing ferromagnetic insert 8. Hence,

an electrical lockout arrangement is provided which functions toautomatically render the unspecified-fuel pump 31 inoperative (bydeenergizing its driving motor 33) whenever the nonstandard spout 4 isbeing utilized for dispensing into a specification fuel filler inlet 6.In this connection, it will be realized that it will be absolutelyimpossible for the apparatus to dispense any unspecified fuel wheneverthe pump 31 is not driven by its motor 33. Thus, the spout 4 is providedwith means 13, 21, etc. which positively prevents the dispensing ofunspecified fuels (to wit, either the leaded fuel component solely, orblends'of the leaded and non-leaded fuel components) into fuel fillerinlets (such as inlet 6) designed to accept only specification fuel.

The switching unit 21 closes, thereby connecting motor 33 toenergization source 46, when the proximity switch contacts 14 and 15 arein their normal, closed position; these contacts 14 and 15 are closedwhen the spout 4 is being used for dispensing into a conventional orstandard, non-specification fuel filler inlet. Hence, the pump 31 isfully operative under these conditions and may be used todispenseunspecified fuels into non-specification automobiles, ifdesired.

As disclosed hereinabove and in the previously mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos.2,880,908 and 2,977,970, in a multi-grade fuel dispensing apparatus ofthe type referred to the specification fuel and unspecified fuel streamsare metered by separate meters 26 and 35, and the outputs from thesemeters'are fed to the inputs of respective gear boxes (adjusted or setby means of a blend selector, manually operable) in unit 43, whoseoutputs drive a subtractive differential (also in unit 43). The outputof the differential, in turn, controls at 45 the two control valves 40and 41, which may be thought of as a blend control valve.

In operation, the output of the differential referred to controls therelative positions of the control valves 40 and 41 in such a way that,with particular settings of the specification fuel gear box andunspecified fuel gear box, if the meters 26 and 35 indicate a properratio of deliveries of the two fuel components, the output of thedifferential is zero and does not affect the settings of the controlvalves 40 and 41; on the other hand, if this correspondence does notexist, an output from the differential adjusts these control valves tocontrol the composition of the desired blend. More specfically, as onecontrol valve opens the other control valve closes, the relativepositions of the valves controlling the proportioning of the components.The settings of the gear boxes determine the relative flows which wouldbe required to maintain at zero the output of the differential to holdthe control valves in fixed relative position; if the rate of flow ofgasoline or specification fuel relative to hi gasoline or unspecifiedfuel exceeds the predetermined ratio, the differential output is of sucha direction as to move the lo control valve 40 toward closed positionand the hi control valve 41 toward open position.

As previously described, the dispensing of unspecified fuels intospecial fuel filler inlets is positively prevented (by rendering thepump 31 in effect inoperative when the nozzle spout 4 is inserted intosuch an inlet). This result comes about even when the operatorinadvertently fails to set the blend selector to deliver solelyspecification fuel when dispensing into the special fuel filler inlet 6of a specification automobile. For example, suppose the operatorinadvertently sets the blend selector for a blend of 10" and hi"gasolines (i.e., for an unspecified fuel), then inserts the nozzle spout4 into a special fuel filler inlet 6. This causes the proximity switchcontacts 14 and 15 to open, as above described. Now, when the nozzlemain poppet valve (not shown) is manually opened, no unspecified fuelcan flow, because the pump 31 is rendered inoperative by deenergizationof its driving motor 33.

Since the gear boxes were set for a certain proportion of unspecifiedfuel relative to specification fuel, but no unspecified fuel is flowingthrough the meter 35 (pump 31 not being running), the differentialoutput moves the valve 41 toward open position and the valve 40 towardclosed position, and this continues (because no unspecified fuel at allcan flow, even though the control valve 41 is opened wide) until, at thepoint where the valve 40 is completely closed, a control arm (not shown)is mechanically moved to shut off the specification fuel motor 23. Sucha control arm is conventionally provided in multi-grade fuel dispensingapparatus of the type described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat.

No. 2,880,908. Thus, under these conditions also (spout 4 inserted intoa special filler inlet 6, and blend selector set to some stop other thanthat for solely specification fuel), no leaded or unspecified fuel canflow into the specification automobile; some non-leaded or specificationfuel will flow until the pump 22 is automatically rendered inoperativeby the action of the differential (cutting off motor 23), abovedescribed.

Now refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrate a generally preferredembodiment of the invention. In FIGS. 2 and 3, elements the same asthose previously described are denoted by the same reference numerals,while similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals butcarrying prime deisgnations. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, thenon-standard metallic nozzle spout 4 (which has, as in the FIG. 1embodiment, a nominal O. D. of 13/16 inch or less, such that it canenter into the special fuel filler inlet 6 of a specificationautomobile) has mounted therein a magnetic reed switch 52 with a pair ofcontacts 53 and 54 which are normally open, but which are illustrated inFIG. 2 (for reasons which will later become apparent) in the closedposition. The switch 52 may, for example, be an IBM Miniature Dry ReedSwitch, manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation,Industrial Products, White Plains, New York. In brief, such a switchconsists of two reeds 53 and 54 of ferromagnetic material, inserted intoopposing ends of a glass envelope in a cantilever fashion. The internalends of the reeds are overlapped, the glass envelope is fused to thereed shanks, and a fixed air gap is established between the cantileverbeams. When a magnetomotive force (MMF) is applied to the envelope by apermanent magnet, the reed becomes a flux-carrying element in themagnetic circuit. The noble metal contact ends assume opposite polarityand are thus snapped together, closing the switch.

The switchcontact 53 is electrically connected at 16 to the body ofnozzle spout 4 and is thus connected to ground, while the remainingswitch contact 54 is connected to the insulated lead 19', which extendsto the dispensing apparatus housing and is connected inside such housingto the-switch terminal 20 of a solid-state switching unit 21, as in FIG.1, the other switch terminal 48 of the unit 21 being grounded. Thecircuit utilized in connection with the FIG. 2 device is exactly thesame as in FIG. 1, with the switching unit 21 controlling theenergization of the unspecified fuel pump driving motor.

For the dispensing of specification fuel into specification automobiles,the non-standard spout 4 is used without the removable adapter member(sleeve) 55 which will later be described, since this spout is sized forinsertion into the special fuel filler inlet 6 only when the adapter 55is not present on the spout 4. Since the reed switch contacts 53 and 54are normally open, they will, under the presently described dispensingconditions, be open, electrically locking out the unspecifiedfuel orleaded-fuel pump 31 by deenergization of its driving motor 33 (thecircuit between the switch terminals 20 and 48 of switching unit 21 nowbeing open). Thus, the reed switch 52 (in combination, of course, withthe solid-state switching unit 21) comprises a means which positivelyprevents the dispensing of unspecified fuels into fuel filler inlets(such as 6, FIG. 1) designed to accept only specification fuel.

For the dispensing of unspecified fuels into nonspecificationautomobiles, a removable (slip-on) adapter member (sleeve) 55 isprovided, to be slipped over the outer or dispensing (free) end of thenonstandard spout 4, as illustrated in FIG. 2; the adapter member itselfis illustrated in FIG. 3. When the adapter 55 is in place on nozzlespout 4, a composite spout of standard configuration (nominal 0. D. of15/ l 6 inch or more) is formed. This composite spout, of standardconfiguration, is too large to be inserted into the special fuel fillerinlet 6 (and hence cannot be inserted thereinto), but can readily beinserted into the standard or conventional fuel filler inlet of anon-specification automobile.

The spout adapter (sleeve) 55 is made of a suitable thermoplasticmaterial and has a cylindrical outer configuration, being sized to slipover the O. D. of the nonstandard nozzle spout 4 and having a radiallyinwardly extending lip 56 at its forward end which comes into engagementwith the outer or free end of the nozzle spout 4 to establish the homeposition of the adapter when it is pushed over the spout. The adaptersleeve is slotted longitudinally at 57 for a certain distance rearwardlyfrom its forward end, to accommodate small variations in spout 0. D5 byproviding a degree of resilience. For some distance back from theforward end thereof, approximately half of the sleeve circumference iscut away, as at 58, so that, when sleeve 55 is placed over the nozzlespout as in FIG. 2, there will be no interference by the sleeve (duringthe dispensing of fuel through the nozzle spout) with the orifice l2used for automatic shut-off of the nozzle.

The spout adapter 55 has fixed thereto, in any suitable manner, apermanent magnet 59 so located as to come into juxtaposition with thereed switch 52 when the adapter is slipped onto the nozzle spout, as inFIG. 2. When the permanent magnet 59 is placed in juxtaposition withrespect to the reed switch 52 by slipping the adapter 55 over the nozzlespout 4, the switch contacts 53 and 54 are snapped together in responseto the applied MMF, closing the switch as illustrated in FIG. 2. It maybe noted at this juncture that the nozzle spout 4 is made of anonmagnetic (paramagnetic) material such as aluminum.

The adapter (sleeve) 55 is of course pushed over the nozzle spout 4 fromthe free or outer end of the latter. In order to assure that, when theadapter is applied to the nozzle spout, the permanent magnet 59 will belocated properly for operation of reed switch 52, the adapter 55 hastherein, at its rear end, a bayonet-type slot 66 which is designed toreceive an outwardlyextending positioning pin (not shown) fixed in thenozzle spout 4.

When the reed switch contacts 53 and 54 are closed by the application tothe nozzle spout of the adapter sleeve 55, a circuit is completedbetween the switch terminals 20 and 48 of the switching unit (FIG. 1),energizing the motor 33 for the unspecified fuel pump 31 (assuming, ofcourse, that the manually operated pump motor switch 47 has beenoperated to on). Then, dispensing of unspecified fuels into theconventional fuel filler inlet of a non-specification automobile maytake place.

In this connection, it should be apparent that in the FIG. 1 embodimentalso, the closing of the proximity switch contacts 14 and 15 (due towithdrawal of the nozzle spout from the special fuel filler inlet 6)will not result in energizing the unspecified fuel pump motor 33 unlessthe manually-operated master switch 47 has been operated to on.

As previously mentioned, the nonstandard spout 4 is straight for atleast 3 inches from the outlet, and the retention spring 5(see FIG. 3)is at least 4 inches away from the outlet. The adapter sleeve 55 is wellunder 3 inches long; it can therefore be readily slipped over thestraight portion of the nozzle spout, and will not interfere with thespring 5. Also, since the adapter 55 (when mounted on the nozzle spout)is positioned in the area between the lower end of spring 5 and theoutlet end of the spout, it does not preclude or prevent the use of avapor recovery device on the nozzle spout, and, specifically, does notinterfere in any way with the vapor recovery bellows or boot disclosedin my US. Pat. No. 3,566,928 previously mentioned. Of course, the saidbellows or boot may be easily used with the arrangement of FIG. 1 also(since the spout only is used in such arrangement, with no externaladapter whatever).

Refer now to FIG 4. In this embodiment, a shroud 61 of non-magneticmaterial is pivotally mounted at 62 on the nozzle housing I, and isadapted to be swung between a position (illustrated in solid lines)wherein it overlies the nonstandard spout 4 and a position (illustratedin dotted lines) wherein it is widely separated from the nozzle spoutand is close to a portion of the nozzle housing or body. In FIG. 4, theshroud 61 carries a permanent magnet 59 which is adapted to cooperatewith a reed switch 52 exactly like that shown in FIG. 2, similarlymounted in the non-standard nozzle spout 4, and electrically connectedin the same manner as in the FIG. 2 embodiment. When shroud 61 is in thesolid-line position (swung over the non-standard spout), the reed switchcontacts 53 and 54 are closed in response to the application of the MMF,but when the shroud is in the dotted-line position, away from the nozzlespout, these reed switch contacts are in their normal, open position.

The shroud 61 has a somewhat trough-shaped transverse cross-section, andwhen swung over the nonstandard spout, has the effect of enlarging its0. D. so that it cannot then be inserted into the special fuel fillerinlet 6. In this position, however, the reed switch contacts are closed(turning on the unspecified fuel pump motor 33), and the composite spoutwill fit into a standard configuration fuel filler inlet and can be usedto dispense unspecified fuels into nonspecification automobiles When theshroud 61 is pivoted to the dotted-line position, away from the spout 4,the non-standard spout 4 can enter into the special fuel filler inlet 6of a specification automobile. With the shroud in this position,however, the reed switch contacts are in their normal, open position, sothe unspecified fuel pump 31 is in effect inoperative (because its motor33 is not energized). Hence, the dispensing of unspecified fuels intothe fuel filler inlet 6 (designed to accept only specification fuel,since it is on a specification automobile) is again positivelyprevented.

The preceding has described utilization of the invention (automaticelectrical lockout of the unspecified fuel pumping means, under certainconditions) in connection with suction pumps 22 and 31 which are bothlocated within the dispensing apparatus housing 18. However, it is alsoapplicable to fuel pumping means of the so-called remote dispenser type,wherein the pumps themselves are of the submersible type and are locatedwithin the underground fuel storage tanks, remote from the dispensingapparatus housing 18.

Refer now to FIG. 5, which is a somewhat simplified circuit scehmatic ofan electrical lockout arrangement for a pumping means of thelast-mentioned or remote type. Again, elements thesame as thosepreviously described (particularly in connection with FIG. 1) aredenoted by the same reference numerals. The circuitry of FIG. 5 is alllocated within a dispensing apparatus housing similar to housing 18, butof the remote dispenser type.

A remote (submersible) specification fuel pump (not shown), located inthe subterranean specification fuel storage tank, is arranged to supplythis fuel through a pipe 25, under the control of a solenoid valve 63located in the dispensing apparatus housing, to the specification fuelmeter 26. The remote dispenser fiiel pumping means for the specificationfuel thus comprises the remote pump just mentioned, in conjunction withthe valve 63. Similarly, a remote (submersible) unspecified fuel pump(not shown), located in the subterranean storage tank containing theunspecified fuel, is arranged to supply this latter fuel through a pipe34, under the control of a solenoid valve 64 also located in thedispensing apparatus housing, to the unspecified fuel meter 35. Theremote dispenser fuel pumping means for the unspecified fuel thuscomprises the remote pump just mentioned, in conjunction with the valve64. The solenoid valves 63 and 64 are opened in response to theenergization of their respective solenoids 65 and 66, and are closedwhen these solenoids are not energized.

A double-pole, single-throw specification fuel switch 67 has one pair ofcontacts 68 connected in series in an energization circuit (by way ofa'pair of leads 69) for the driving motor of remote specification fuelpump, this circuit being supplied from the alternating current source46. Thus, when contacts 68 are closed, the specification fuel pump willbe energized. Since the same specification fuel pump must supply fuel toother dispensers, the corresponding switch contacts 68 of theseadditional dispensers are connected to the leads 70 paralleled tocontacts 68; thus, the specification fuel pump maybe energized fromthese additional dispensers, also.

The second pair 71 of contacts of switch 67 is connected in series in anenergization circuit for solenoid 65 of the specification fuel valve 63,from the source 46; when contacts 71 are closed, solenoid 65 isenergized to open valve 63, and specification fuel may then flow throughthe pipe 25 (provided, of course, that the corresponding remote pump isthen operating, which will be the case because contacts 68 are alsoclosed at this time).

A double-pole, single-throw unspecified fuel switch 72 is coupled bymeans of a suitable mechanical linkage 73 to switch 67, in such a waythat: (I) switch 67, only, is closed when solely lo gasoline is beingdispensed; (2) switch 72, only, is closed when solely hi gasoline isbeing dispensed; and (3') both switches 67 and 72 are closed when blendsof lo" and hi" gasolines are being dispensed. The switch arrangement 67,72, 73 is operable from the outside of the dispenser housing.

Although not described earlier, actually two switches and a mechanicallinkage similar to that described in the preceding paragraph (referringto 73) would be used at 47 in FIG. 1.

One pair 74 of contacts of the switch 72 is connected in series in anenergization circuit (by way of a pair of leads 75) for the drivingmotor of the remote unspecified fuel pump, this circuit being suppliedfrom the source 46. Thus, when contacts 74 are closed, the un specifiedfuel or hi gasoline pump will be energized. Since the same hi" gasolinepump must supply fuel to other dispensers, the corresponding switchcontacts 74 of these additional dispensers are connected to the leads 76paralleled to contacts 74; thus, the hi gasoline pump may be energizedfrom these additional dis pensers, also.

In FIG. 5, the solid-state switching unit 21 is connected to control theenergization of the solenoid 66 of unspecified fuel valve 64, in amanner analogous to the control of pump motor 33 by the unit 21, inFIG. 1. Thus, terminal 51 of unit 21 is connected to one end of solenoid66, the other end of this solenoid being connected to one line terminal(of 46) and also to terminal 50 of unit 21. Terminal 49 of unit 21 isconnected in series with the pair 77 of contacts of the switch 72, tothe other line terminal (of 46).

The ungrounded switch terminal 20 of unit 21 may be connected, by meansof the lead 19, or 19, to a nozzle spout switch, either the proximityswitch 13, or the reed switch 52.

Assuming switch contacts 77 are closed at the start of a dispensingoperation (as they normally would be in order to dispense an unspecifiedfuel), when contact 20 is grounded (switch 13 being closed when thesmalldiameter nozzle spout is used in a standard fuel filler inlet, orswitch 52 being closed by means of the sleeve adapter 55 or the pivotedadapter 61), unit 21 operates to complete the energization circuit tosolenoid 66 of the unspecified fuel valve 64. Valve 64 is then opened,and unspecified fuel may then flow through pipe 34 (provided, of course,that the corresponding remote pump is then operating, which will be thecase because contacts 74 are also closed at this time).

When the non-standard or small-diameter spout is used in a specialfuelfiller inlet as in FIG. 1, switch 13 is opened, as previouslydescribed; whenthe adapters of FIGS. 2 or 4 are not in operativeposition, so that the spout can be used in a special fuel filler inlet,the switch 52- is opened. In both of these cases, the circuit betweenterminals 20 and 48 of switching unit 21 is broken or incomplete; theunit 21 then opens the energization circuit to solenoid 66, closing thevalve 64 and preventing the flow of unspecified fuel through pipe 34.Thus, the unspecified fuel is electrically locked out and any dispensingthereof into specification automobiles is automatically and positivelyprevented, even though switch 72 is inadvertently closed at this time.

It can therefore be seen that electrical lockout of the unspecified fuelunder the desired conditions is again the result, though in the case ofthe remote dispenser pumping means of FIG. 5 the solenoid valve 64 forthe unspecified fuel is controlled, rather than the motor 33 for theunspecified fuel pump, as in the case of the suction pumping meansdescribed in connection with FIG. 1

The invention claimed is:

1. In a motor fuel dispensing apparatus capable of dispensingspecification fuel into the fuel tanks of specification automobilesrequiring such fuel exclusively and having their fuel filler inletsconstructed and arranged to prevent the insertion thereinto ofdispensing nozzle spouts of standard configuration, said apparatus beingalso capable of a dispensing unspecified fuels into the fuel tanks ofother, non-specification automobiles: a dispensing nozzle with anon-standard spout capable of insertion into the fuel filler inlets ofboth specification and non-specification automobiles, separatecontrollable means for pumping specification and unspecified fuels,respectively, through said nozzle spout, and means associated with saidnozzle spout for causing the unspecified-fuel puming means to berendered inoperative whenever said non-standard spout is inserted intothe fuel filler inlet of a specification automobile.

2. Combination according to claim 1, wherein each of said pumping meansincludes an electric pump driving motor, and wherein saidspout-associated means includes electrical circuitry for controlling theenergization of the motor for the unspecified-fuel pumping means.

3. Combination according to claim 1, wherein each of said pumping meansincludes a pump and a solenoid valve coupled to the discharge of thecorresponding pump, and wherein said spout-associated means includeselectrical circuitry for controlling the energization of the solenoidvalve for the unspecified-fuel pumping means.

4. Combination according to claim 1, wherein said spout-associated meansincludes a normally closed proximity switch mounted in said spout andmagnetically operated to open position in response to the insertion ofsaid non-standard spout into the fuel filler inlet of a specificationautomobile, the opening of said switch serving to render theunspecified-fuel pumping means inoperative.

5. Combination according to claim 1, wherein said spout-associated meansincludes a normally open switch mounted in said non-standard spout, saidswitch when open causing the unspecified-fuel pumping means to berendered inoperative.

6. Combination defined in claim 5, including also a removable adapterfor said non-standard spout operable to convert said spout to a standardconfiguration, and means carried by said adapter for operating saidswitch to closed position upon the placing of said adapter in operativeposition on said non-standard spout, thereby to render operative theunspecified fuel pumping means.

7. Combination according to claim 6, wherein said noramlly-open switchcomprises a magnetic reed switch, and wherein the switch-operating meanscarried by said adapter comprises a permanent magnet.

8. Combination according to claim 6, wherein the standard spout has alarger outer diameter than the said nonstandard spout, and wherein theremovable adapter comprises a member adapted to be placed over thenon-standard spout to convert it to a standard configuration.

9. Combination defined in claim 8, wherein said member comprises asleeve of non-magnetic material adapted to be slipped over thenon-standard spout and carrying switch-operating means comprising apermanent magnet. I

10. Combination defined in claim 8, wherein said member comprises ashroud of non-magnetic material pivotally mounted on the nozzle body andadapted to be swung over the non-standard spout, said shroud carryingswitch-operating means comprising a permanent magnet.

1. In a motor fuel dispensing apparatus capable of dispensingspecification fuel into the fuel tanks of specification automobilesrequiring such fuel exclusively and having their fuel filler inletsconstructed and arranged to prevent the insertion thereinto ofdispensing nozzle spouts of standard configuration, said apparatus beingalso capable of a dispensing unspecified fuels into the fuel tanks ofother, non-specification automobiles: a dispensing nozzle with anon-standard spout capable of insertion into the fuel filler inlets ofboth specification and non-specification automobiles, separatecontrollable means for pumping specification and unspecified fuels,respectively, through said nozzle spout, and means associated with saidnozzle spout for causing the unspecifiedfuel puming means to be renderedinoperative whenever said nonstandard spout is inserted into the fuelfiller inlet of a specification automobile.
 2. Combination according toclaim 1, wherein each of said pumping means includes an electric pumpdriving motor, and wherein said spout-associated means includeselectrical circuitry for controlling the energization of the motor forthe unspecified-fuel pumping means.
 3. Combination according to claim 1,wherein each of said pumping means includes a pump and a solenoid valvecoupled to the discharge of the corresponding pump, and wherein saidspout-associated means includes electrical circuitry for controlling theenergization of the solenoid valve for the unspecified-fuel pumpingmeans.
 4. Combination according to claim 1, wherein saidspout-associated means includes a normally closed proximity switchmounted in said spout and magnetically operated to open position inresponse to the insertion of said non-standard spout into the fuelfiller inlet of a specification automobile, the opening of said switchserving to render the unspecified-fuel pumping means inoperative. 5.Combination according to claim 1, wherein said spout-associated meansincludes a normally open switch mounted in said non-standard spout, saidswitch when open causing the unspecified-fuel pumping means to berendered inoperative.
 6. Combination defined in claim 5, including alsoa removable adapter for said non-standard spout operable to convert saidspout to a standard configuration, and means carried by said adapter foroperating said switch to closed position upon the placing of saidadapter in operative position on said non-standard spout, thereby torender operative the unspecified fuel pumping means.
 7. Combinationaccording to claim 6, wherein said noramlly-open switch comprises amagnetic reed switch, and wherein the switch-operating means carried bysaid adapter comprises a permanent magnet.
 8. Combination according toclaim 6, wherein the standard spout has a larger outer diameter than thesaid nonstandard spout, and wherein the removable adapter comprises amember adapted to be placed over the non-standard spout to convert it toa standard configuration.
 9. Combination defined in claim 8, whereinsaid member comprises a sleeve of non-magnetic material adapted to beslipped over the non-standard spout and carrying switch-operating meanscomprising a permanent magnet.
 10. Combination defined in claim 8,wherein said member comprises a shroud of non-magnetic materialpivotally mounted on the nozzle body and adapted to be swung over thenon-standard spout, said shroud carrying switch-operating meanscomprising a permanent magnet.